Glennon's big arm has generated attention since long before he was drafted, but he's more than just a cannon.

Since taking over for Josh Freeman in Week 4, Glennon has kept mistakes to a minimum and shown chemistry with wide receiver Vincent Jackson and tight end Tim Wright. Glennon tops all rookies with 13 touchdown strikes and has just one pick over his past six appearances. His eight-game streak with a scoring pass is the longest by a first-year player to start his career since 1960.

"He is a rookie quarterback for sure and there are still some rookie things he says and does that makes you realize, 'Oh, yeah, this guy is a rookie,'" said Schiano. "But I think he has accelerated his progress since the day he got here by how hard he's prepared and worked."

Glennon occasionally will bail on the pocket too early, missing an open target, but that isn't chronic. Besides, he's kept his cool during a season that bubbled into a disaster early. It's been no joyride for Tampa, but the potential unearthing of a franchise passer would wash over many sins.